Signs of Alcoholism: Self-Assessment Guide to Know If You Have a Problem

Is My Drinking a Problem? An Honest Self-Assessment

Asking yourself whether you have a drinking problem takes courage. The fact that you're reading this shows you're willing to be honest with yourself—and that's the first step toward positive change.

This guide isn't about labeling yourself. It's about understanding your relationship with alcohol so you can make informed decisions about your health and happiness.

The CAGE Self-Assessment

The CAGE questionnaire is a widely-used screening tool developed by Dr. John Ewing. Answer honestly:

1. C - Cut down: Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
2. A - Annoyed: Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
3. G - Guilty: Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking?
4. E - Eye-opener: Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

Scoring: Answering "yes" to two or more questions suggests you may have an alcohol problem and should consider seeking professional evaluation.

Behavioral Warning Signs

Beyond the CAGE assessment, consider these behavioral patterns:

Drinking Patterns

• Drinking more or longer than you intended
• Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or control drinking
• Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from drinking
• Experiencing cravings or strong urges to drink
• Needing more alcohol to get the same effect (tolerance)

Life Impact

• Drinking interferes with work, school, or family responsibilities
• Continuing to drink despite relationship problems it causes
• Giving up activities you once enjoyed to drink instead
• Drinking in dangerous situations (driving, operating machinery)
• Continuing to drink despite health problems it causes

Physical Signs

• Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking (shakiness, anxiety, sweating)
• Needing a drink to feel "normal"
• Blackouts or memory gaps after drinking
• Changes in appearance or hygiene

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)

For a more comprehensive assessment, consider these questions about the past year:

Consumption

1. How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?
2. How many drinks containing alcohol do you have on a typical day when drinking?
3. How often do you have six or more drinks on one occasion?

Dependence

4. How often have you found you were unable to stop drinking once you started?
5. How often have you failed to do what was normally expected because of drinking?
6. How often have you needed a drink in the morning to get yourself going?

Consequences

7. How often have you felt guilt or remorse after drinking?
8. How often have you been unable to remember what happened the night before?
9. Have you or someone else been injured because of your drinking?
10. Has a relative, friend, or doctor been concerned about your drinking?

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) exists on a spectrum from mild to severe:

• Mild AUD: 2-3 symptoms present
• Moderate AUD: 4-5 symptoms present
• Severe AUD: 6 or more symptoms present

Having any symptoms doesn't make you a bad person—it means you may benefit from support and resources to change your relationship with alcohol.

Common Rationalizations

It's natural to minimize or rationalize drinking. Watch for thoughts like:

• "I only drink beer/wine, not hard liquor"
• "I never drink during the day"
• "I can stop whenever I want"
• "I've never had a DUI or lost a job"
• "My drinking doesn't affect anyone else"
• "I need it to relax/socialize/sleep"

These thoughts don't mean you're in denial—they're common coping mechanisms. But if you recognize yourself in several of these, it's worth exploring further.

What to Do If You're Concerned

Talk to Someone

Share your concerns with a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare provider. You don't have to figure this out alone.

Try a Period of Abstinence

Consider a 30-day break from alcohol. Notice how you feel physically, mentally, and emotionally. Is it harder than expected?

Track Your Drinking

Keep a log of how much you drink, when, and why. Patterns often become clearer when written down.

Explore Resources

Learn about recovery options—there are many paths, from peer support to professional treatment.

Join a Community

Connecting with others who understand can provide perspective and support. MyRecoveryPal offers a free, judgment-free community.

Recovery Is Possible

If this assessment has raised concerns, know that help is available and recovery is possible. Millions of people have transformed their relationship with alcohol and rebuilt fulfilling lives.

You don't have to hit "rock bottom" to make a change. You don't have to have a label to seek support. And you don't have to do this alone.

Join Our Supportive Community - Free